Crumb Topped Banana Bread – Moist, Easy, and Cinnamon-Spiced

There’s something nostalgic about banana bread—the warm aroma, the golden crumb, the comforting taste of ripe bananas.

But this Crumb Topped Banana Bread takes it one step further with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced topping that adds irresistible texture to every bite.

It’s the kind of bake I reach for when I want to use up bananas, fill the house with cozy smells, and end up with a loaf that disappears by the next morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crumb topping magic – Adds a sweet, crunchy contrast.

Moist and flavorful – Thanks to yogurt, bananas, and oil.

One bowl per step – Wet and dry ingredients stay simple and separate.

Not overly sweet – Easily adjustable to suit your taste.

Great for meal prep – Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Wet Ingredients

Bananas – Use very ripe for natural sweetness and moisture.

Eggs – Bind everything and help the loaf rise.

Oil – Keeps the texture soft and tender.

Greek yogurt – Adds richness without heaviness.

Sugar – Can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.

Dry Ingredients

Whole wheat flour – Adds a wholesome base.

Cornstarch – Softens the crumb (or just use more flour).

Cinnamon – Warm spice to complement the banana.

Baking powder & salt – Essential leavening and balance.

Crumb Topping

Flour + brown sugar – Sweet, rich flavor.

Cinnamon – More warm spice.

Butter – Rubbed in for the perfect crumble.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use ripe bananas – The darker, the better—they add flavor and sweetness.

Don’t overmix – Stir just until the flour disappears.

Measure flour properly – Spoon and level, don’t scoop.

Chill the crumb topping – Helps hold its shape while baking.

Tent with foil if needed – If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover in the last 15 minutes.

How to Make Crumb Topped Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat oven to 360°F (182°C).

Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Add butter and rub it in with your fingertips until crumbly. Refrigerate until needed.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together whole wheat flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring jug, whisk together eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, and Greek yogurt until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

Fold gently with a spatula just until combined—don’t overmix.

Batter will be slightly lumpy.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack.

Don’t forget to remove the parchment!

What to Serve It With

A mug of hot coffee or chai

Sliced fresh fruit on the side

A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream

Warmed up with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert vibes

Variations / Substitutions

White flour – Swap all or part for all-purpose if preferred.

Applesauce – Sub for oil for a lighter option.

Add-ins – Try chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

No cornstarch? – Use extra flour instead.

No crumb topping? – Skip it or sprinkle with oats and sugar for a rustic feel.

Storage & Leftovers

Room temp – Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Fridge – Keeps well up to 1 week—just warm before serving.

Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat – Toast or microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Repurpose – Make French toast or banana bread pudding with leftovers.

FAQs

Can I make this banana bread less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the sugar to ⅓ or ½ cup for a lightly sweet version.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
You can, though it may be slightly thinner in texture.

Why is my bread dense?
Avoid overmixing and measure flour properly for a lighter crumb.

Can I skip the crumb topping?
Absolutely—it’s delicious without, but the topping adds a nice crunch.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw and drain them first before mashing and using.

How do I know it’s done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Slice and wrap individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Final Thoughts

This Crumb Topped Banana Bread is everything I love in a homemade bake—soft, spiced, and topped with a cozy layer of buttery crumble.

It’s the kind of treat that turns a bunch of brown bananas into a beautiful loaf that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Perfect for any day of the week, and always a crowd-pleaser.